Power outages, especially during extreme weather conditions, can be dangerous. It is important to keep a kit ready with everything you need during a power outage so that when the lights go out you aren’t left scrambling to find flashlights, batteries and your car keys (in the case of an evacuation).
The first step to take during a power outage is to make sure that everyone in your home is safe. Alert members of your family as to where you are with the safety kit and ensure that each person is given a flashlight. If you have small children, ensure that they are not near anything hazardous during this time. It’s best to keep them in the same room with you until the power is restored. While candles will help with illuminating your house, it is safer to use camping lanterns and flashlights. This avoids fire hazards. It is a good idea to unplug large appliances as surges of power, when the power is returned, could damage these expensive items. These items include televisions and refrigerators. Another option is having these appliances plugged into a power surge strip which will prevent the possibility of them being burned out when power is restored. If possible, get in touch with your electric company to alert them of the power outage and to see if they have an estimated time as to when the power will be restored. If the power outages occurs during a lightning storm, make sure to stay away from power outlets and sources of water. Depending on the severity of the outage, you might want to make alternate sleeping arrangements for your family, as sleeping without heat might be unbearable.
With some preparation, you and your family will be prepared for power outages. Below are some items that are crucial to keep in your power outage kit.
1. Flash lights.
Keep enough flashlights for each member of your family, excluding small children. It’s also a good idea to keep one or two camping lanterns in your kit to avoid having to use candles.
2. Water.
Store enough water so that if an outage lasts more than a day, and road conditions are unsafe, you’ll be able to stay safe. On average, people should drink two liters of water a day.
3. Battery-powered radio.
It’s crucial to have a radio in case there are unsafe conditions such as hurricanes or blizzards. Ensure the radio has fresh batteries and consider keeping another set of batteries in your kit as well.
4. Cash and/or credit card.
In the event that you have to evacuate quickly, having cash and/or a credit card will ensure that you and your family can get to where you need.
5. Non-perishable food.
If the power is only out for a day and the conditions do not permit you to evacuate, keeping some non-perishable food on hand can be helpful. This can be as simple as some cereal and boxed, unrefrigerated milk.
6. List of important phone numbers and copies of important documents.
In the event that you have to evacuate, having important numbers and documents ensures that you don’t have to fumble around in your home to find what you need.
7. Blankets.
If the power goes out in the winter, your home will quickly get cold. Ensure that members of your family have adequate blankets to stay warm until the power goes back on.
While events requiring emergency evacuations probably won’t occur often, it is better to be prepared. Another step to take is to have an electrical generator for your home. For more information on this, call Tim Kyle Electric today!
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About Tim Kyle Electric
Tim Kyle Electric has been delighting our customers with responsive, trusted and professional electrical services since 1986. We provide residential, commercial and solar power services and are experts in our field. Our team of professionally trained employees uphold our core values of honesty, respect and integrity. We are available 24/7 for your electrical servicing needs. Get in touch with us today to discuss your next electrical project.
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